First App.
Your learning space A little progress, every day
CHAPTER 01Lesson 2 of 36

Check what you need

A quick check now saves a frustrating download later.

On your Mac4 min read & do
By the end of this lesson

Know that your Mac and iPhone can follow this course.

Let’s do this

  1. 1
    On your Mac

    Check your Mac

    Open the Apple menu at the top left and choose About This Mac. Note the chip and macOS version. This course assumes a recent Mac with Apple silicon, such as an M1 or newer. An iPad cannot run the Mac version of Xcode.

  2. 2
    On your Mac

    Match Xcode to your Mac

    Open Apple’s system requirements page and look at the latest released Xcode, rather than a beta. Check its supported macOS versions. If your Mac needs an update, back up first and install the supported update before downloading Xcode.

    Xcode system requirements (opens a new tab)
  3. 3
    On your Mac

    Make room for the download

    Open System Settings, General, Storage. Xcode also downloads an iPhone simulator, so allow space beyond the App Store download size. If the installer says there is not enough room, remove only files you recognise or move them to a backup.

  4. 4
    Before you start

    Have your essentials ready

    You need a reliable internet connection, your own Apple Account, your ChatGPT Plus sign-in and a cable that can connect your iPhone to the Mac and transfer data. Have both account passwords available in your password manager; do not paste them into Codex.

Xcode welcome window with Create New Project highlighted.View larger
Apple’s example: starting a new Xcode project. Apple updates Xcode often, so your window may look a little different.Screenshot source (opens a new tab)

A message for Codex

Help me check my Mac for making my first iPhone app, a native iPhone app. Ask me for my Mac chip and macOS version, then compare them with the current released Xcode requirements. Explain any update or storage issue before changing anything. Do not suggest a beta release or ask for my password.

Make this message fit your idea.

What you should see

You know your Mac’s chip and macOS version, have checked the supported Xcode release, and can sign into both accounts.

If you get stuck

Go at your own pace. There is no test to pass.

Checked 7 September 2026. Screens can change; the official guides below have the latest steps.

Xcode system requirementsOfficial Codex setup